Bible Chapter: Romans 6
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
In my ramblings through life I have met people who claim to be a Christian and yet they don’t hesitate to participate in sin. They claim that they have been forgiven and that’s all that matters. This chapter clearly destroys that false teaching. We who claim Christianity must live “dead to sin”. We must have the same participation in sin as a dead person. Shall we continue sinning? No, we are dead to it. Our desire for sin must continue to diminish as we grow closer to Jesus. Yes, there is temporary pleasure in sin. Don’t forget there is eternal fulfillment in Jesus.
This chapter also has some important teaching on baptism. We see a picture of the identification with Jesus and His death, burial and resurrection. We are buried with Him in baptism and rise to new life. The old nature had died and we are no longer slaves to sin. Baptism must be accompanied by true faith so the person knows what they are doing when baptized and goes on to live a life that gives glory to Jesus. The old, unregenerate and sinful self has died and the sinful desires no longer control. This shows that those who were baptized had made a commitment to Jesus as their personal Savior.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
This chapter talks about our being slaves to righteousness. Verse 16 teaches an extremely important Biblical truth that would set many people free who don’t understand the importance of submission to Jesus. Romans 6:16 NLT
16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.
We will submit to an authority. That authority has us under its power. So, when we submit to Jesus, we give Him authority in our lives. Those who insist on continuing to sin to express their “freedom” are really giving sin control of their lives. So, those who actively participate in sin are slaves to sin. This is why they do so many horrible things they don’t like and can’t seem to quit.
I must always remember this when temptation comes along. I have made the choice to trust in Jesus and must make the choice to continue in that track. I need to remember the ending of this chapter that sin brings the wages of death and God’s gift brings eternal life.
3. How can I help someone?
I meet many people who think that since they were baptized as a baby they are all set spiritually. I also meet people who say they have accepted Jesus as their personal Savior. They can go to church when they feel like it and everything is all fine. There are people who go to church regularly but don’t show evidence of loving Jesus. They miss the principles of this chapter of being dead to sin and live to Jesus. As God provides the opportunities I must take them to help people see the deliverance Jesus brings.
Bible Chapter: Romans 5
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Justified by faith. We are cleaned from sin and God sees us as forgiven. That is an amazing truth and concept for life. We are justified by faith. The result is this brings us peace. Genuine peace is a missing ingredient in the world. Peace is generally seen as a lack of conflict. God puts peace in our hearts that can withstand conflict and is not destroyed by every outside force that comes along. This brings us hope in God. We have hope even when we suffer.
We will have sufferings. Some of them seem unbearable. God has promised to give us strength through the trials of life. We know we have God’s care because He has demonstrated His amazing love for us. Even before we believed in Him, Jesus came to the earth to pay the way for us to be forgiven from sin. He came to provide us with His peace.
Sin entered the world through one man. This is a powerful example of the tragedy one person can inflict on others. There is a lie circulating that we can do what we want since it won’t affect anyone but ourselves. The actions each person does impact many others. People think they can sin and it is no big issue. That is not true. It is especially important to remember that each new generation is greatly influenced by the previous generation. And, each new generation seems to push the spiritual envelope even farther than the previous one. Each new generation needs a personal encounter with Jesus to draw them close to Him. People will either influence others towards or away from God.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I can live in the access I have to Jesus and receive the blessings that faith and hope bring. I must remember that the trials of life make me stronger in Jesus, even though I don’t like them. I must always remember that Jesus came in God’s perfect time to die for the world so that we can cease being God’s enemies. Even though Adam’s sin brought death, Jesus’ obedience and sacrifice brought life.
What is really living? I must always remember that real living is what I find in Jesus. I have a genuine hope, not just some grasping at straws to cling to anything that may come along. I don’t just have wishful thinking but a confidence in the promises and track record of God.
3. How can I help someone?
I must point people to the solid hope that Jesus gives. Taking a step of faith in Jesus provides the kind of peace that people long for. Waking up every day without the internal peace of God is a dreadful existence. I must be a broadcaster of that hope.
Bible Chapter: Romans 4
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Chapter four talks about Abraham’s faith. His great faith accomplished much for God. Abraham believed God. Because of this God was able to use him in some incredible ways. Abraham’s righteousness grew out of his faith in God. His righteousness did not come as a result of his good works.
A comment from the Fire Bible: “When God sees the hearts of believers turn toward Christ in faith, he freely forgives their sins, credits their faith as righteousness and accepts them as his children.” Faith in God brings us into His family and life is changed. It is amazing to experience through faith in Jesus that the burden of sin is lifted.
God’s promises are accepted by faith. That opens the door for God to respond to that faith. Abraham, against all hope, believed God that his old body could still produce life. He and his wife were too old to have children, but their faith in God remained and God gave the son of promise.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The Bible talks much about faith. In some ways faith is an easy concept to grasp. We have faith in many things in daily life. We have faith that a car will start, that a light will turn on and that the roof won’t crash in on our heads. But, faith is also a very challenging concept to grasp and apply.
Faith in God grows as we step out in small steps of trust and obedience. But, we must take that first step of faith. To receive Jesus as Personal Savior is a step of faith. As God shows Himself and proves His promises, we have assurance in our hearts of the reality of His presence and forgiveness. We grow to trust Him more. Faith grows as we learn more of WHO God is. We grow in faith in His character and nature and learn to trust Him.
This is what I must continue to apply in my life. I must continue to trust that God will come through where He is needed and I must rely on Him.
3. How can I help someone?
Many people don’t have faith. I must live a life of faith so that God is glorified. Then I have things to share with people so they can see that God is more than just some power in the sky. He is involved in the lives of those who trust Him.
Bible Chapter: Romans 3
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Everyone in the world is under sin. All have sinned and fall short of God’s plan for our lives. None are righteous. That would be a very depressing statement early in this chapter if it weren’t for the statement towards the end that says Jesus came to the world as a sacrifice of atonement. God did this to demonstrate His justice. God is a righteous judge who judges sin. He is also filled with mercy and gives us hope for the future.
There is good news. As we have faith in Jesus we are set free from sin. The blood of Jesus sets us free from sin. Part of verse 25 says “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.” Atonement is the covering of sin and the reconciliation between God and people. Jesus accomplished this by His sacrificial suffering and death. The blood of Jesus is the cleansing agent to take the guilt of sin. The blood cleanses us from all sin.
God is here for every person in the world. That is amazing news.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I can apply the hope that is found in this chapter. The truth is told that “There is no one righteous, not even one”. It also says “All have turned away, they have together become worthless”. But then we have the promises already mentioned that the blood of Jesus sets us free. When that is applied life takes on a completely new focus and direction. There is hope. This foundational truth is what will make life worth living. It also makes all the difference when there are very difficult challenges that show up, when pain and loss invade. To know that Jesus is with me and I have his eternal promises carries me through.
3. How can I help someone?
Romans 3:23 is one of the verses often taught in sharing faith in Jesus with another person. We need to know that we have sinned and broken God’s law. But, I also need to share verse 24.
Romans 3:24 NIV
and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
We will receive the free gift of salvation through the redemption given by Jesus. People need to hear that. It is really good news.
Bible Chapter: Romans 2
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Paul wrote this letter to God’s people. They knew right and wrong. Yet some of them were preaching one thing and doing another. They were judging the sins of others while they were guilty of participating in sin themselves. There is no place for worldliness in the church. God will judge it. He will judge sin and reward righteousness.
God’s name was blasphemed among the Gentiles because of what some of the Jews were doing (V. 24). When God’s people permit sin it brings disgrace. There are churches in the modern world who permit sin and bring blasphemy on God’s name. Some people refuse to believe in Jesus because of what some do in the name of Jesus. Those who are guilty of this will be judged by God for their actions chasing people away from Jesus.
Paul talked about circumcision of the heart. He is talking about getting serious about what goes on in a person’s heart and getting rid of playing religion. Anyone can go through a religious routine. It takes complete dedication to Jesus and dying to self to grow in a personal relationship with Jesus. This is genuine holy living. In this chapter Paul is calling on believers to be the real thing.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Be the real thing. Be the authentic follower of Jesus. Realize that if I try to only live under a religious cover it won’t work. The thought comes of the importance of living out my salvation in Jesus.
3. How can I help someone?
We are all accountable to God. We all have an inherent measure of understanding right and wrong. These things are written on our hearts (V. 14-15). I must help people see these truths.
Bible Chapter: Romans 1
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This is one chapter that could fill several pages with comments. Here are a few of the thoughts that come to mind. Paul called the believers “saints”. The understanding of this word has become quite confused. The root word used here speaks of separation from sin. It is the same root word used for sanctification. Believers are set apart from sin and dedicated to God. This speaks to Christians to live a life separated from active participation in sin. Yes, all believers really are saints. That truth should impact our lives in a positive way.
Paul commended the church in Rome for their reputation in Godliness. This is what it should be for any local church. All should be known as “that church where they really love Jesus”. They fit into Paul’s description of himself in verse 16. He was not ashamed of the Gospel.
Paul talked about how sin was taking over people and the reality of God’s wrath against sin. God has promised to judge sin. People who continually insist on sinning will eventually be turned over to their sinful desires and consumed by them. They will justify sin and even say God approves. They will, in God’s timing, receive the penalty for their sin. Righteousness will be rewarded and sin will be judged.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I have to continue to read the Bible for what it says and apply it according to the intent God had when He inspired the authors to write. I can’t read this chapter without thinking of the modern world. It is interesting that something written about two thousand years ago so accurately describes today. Paul wrote of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Instead of following God, people allow their foolish hearts to become darkened. Claiming wisdom they become fools. In the process of all of this they justify sin and say it doesn’t matter. Church leaders are encouraging sin by coddling sinners and not calling sin what it is - sin.
Verse 25 says they exchanged the truth of God for a lie. This is happening over and over again. Churches are changing the Bible to allow for sin, especially moral sin. They claim that the Golden Rule says we are to love everyone so we can’t call anything sin. We just have to accept whatever anyone does. But, what I must apply in my life is what the Bible really says. Romans chapter one challenges me to not be ashamed of the Gospel. It challenges me to live the way God designed believers to live without compromising eternal truth.
3. How can I help someone?
Our world is confused. I must be ready to help people see what the Bible really says. In the Gospel we find the power of God for salvation that is open to ALL. I must live by faith and be ready to help people see the choice they have. They can receive Jesus by faith and avoid the judgement that will come to all who insist on doing things their own way.
Bible Book: Romans
Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.
Author: Paul
Type of Book: Epistle
Outline
Introduction (1:1-17)
Humanity’s Defiance Toward God and Its Desperate Need of Righteousness (1:18-3:20)
The Guilt of the Gentiles: Those Without God’s Law (1:18-32)
The Guilt of the Jews: Those With God’s Law (2:1-3:8)
The Guilt of All People: Our Accountability to God (3:9-20)
God’s Provision of Salvation and Righteousness (3:21-5:21)
Justification: Made Right With God Through Faith in Christ (3:21-31)
Provided By Christ (3:21-26)
Received By Faith (3:27-31)
An Example of Justification by Faith: Abraham Counted as Righteous (4:1-25)
The Benefits of Being Made Right With God: Peace, Access, Joy and Salvation (5:1-11)
Adam and Christ: Our Unrighteousness Contrasted With God’s Gift of Righteousness (5:12-21)
Adam/Sin/Condemnation/Death
Christ/Grace/Justification/Life
God’s Work and Development of Righteousness in Christ’s Followers (6:1-8:39)
Freedom From Slavery to Sin (6:1-23)
Dying With Christ to Break the Power of Sin (6:1-14)
Living With Christ as Servants of Righteousness (6:15-23)
Freedom From the Condemnation Under the Law (7:1-25)
Freedom to Live Through the Power of God’s Spirit (8:1-39)
Israel’s Rejection and Restoration Regarding Righteousness Through Christ (9:1-11:36)
The Problem of Israel’s Rejection (9:1-10:21)
The Triumph of God’s Plan (11:1-36)
Believers’ Practical Applications of Righteousness in Daily Life (12:1-15:13)
In Individual Lives and Personal Sacrifice (12:1-2)
In the Church and the Christian Community (12:3-16)
In Society and the World (12:17-13:7)
Among Weak and Strong Christians: the Spirit of Unity and the Law of Love (13:8-15:13)
Conclusion (15:14-16:27)
Theme: God’s Gift of Righteousness Revealed Through Christ and Received by Faith
Date of Writing: c. A.D. 57
Background
Romans is the first NT book attributed to the apostle Paul—a pioneer missionary and messenger of Christ who started many NT churches and wrote many of the NT letters or “books” (see Ac 14:4, note on “apostles”). The book of Romans is Paul’s longest and perhaps his most influential letter. Among all of his NT writings, Paul’s letter to the Romans contains the most in-depth theology (i.e., study and consideration of God, Christian faith and spiritual issues, primarily God’s relationship to people and the world). Probably for these reasons it is placed first among his thirteen NT books—the letters he wrote to various churches and church leaders with whom he had ministered or had great influence. Paul wrote Romans in connection with his God-given mission to take the message of Jesus Christ to the Gentile world (i.e., to non-Jews and people of all nations outside of the Jewish community). Contrary to some views of church history and tradition, the church in Rome was not founded by Peter (one of Jesus’ first and closest disciples and a leader in the Jerusalem church); nor was it likely started by any other apostle. (“Apostles” in this sense refers primarily to Jesus’ original disciples—those with a direct personal commission from Christ to deliver his original message and to lead the effort in establishing his church; see Ac 14:4, note.) The Roman church may have been established by people from Macedonia and Asia whom Paul had introduced to faith in Christ, along with some Jews and others who responded to the Holy Spirit and the message about Christ on the day of Pentecost (Ac 2:10). Paul felt it was right to address the Romans and offer spiritual guidance to Christ’s followers in Rome since he did not consider that territory to be under the direct leadership of another apostle (Ro 15:20).
In the book of Romans, Paul assures Christ’s followers in Rome that he has often planned to come to them and preach the message about Christ in their city, but so far he has been hindered from coming (1:13-15; 15:22). He affirms his heartfelt desire to join them, and he tells of his plans to come soon (15:23-32).
Paul wrote this letter toward the end of his third missionary journey (cf. 15:25-26; Ac 20:2-3; 1Co 16:5-6; see map of Paul’s Third Missionary Journey), while he was at Corinth as a guest in the home of Gaius (Ro 16:23; 1Co 1:14). At the time he dictated his message to the Romans through his assistant, Tertius (16:22), Paul was planning to return to Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost (Ac 20:16; probably spring A.D. 57 or 58). Part of his desire was to deliver in person a relief offering from the Gentile, or non-Jewish, churches for the poverty-stricken believers in Jerusalem (15:25-27). Immediately afterwards, Paul hoped to take the message of Christ into Spain, visiting the church in Rome on his way and receiving assistance from them as he headed further west (15:24, 28).
Purpose
Paul wrote this letter to prepare the way for his anticipated ministry at Rome and his planned mission to Spain. He had two primary purposes for writing. (1) The Romans had apparently received distorted, or confusing, rumors regarding Paul’s message and teaching about God (e.g., 3:8; 6:1-2, 15). For this reason, Paul felt it necessary to put into writing the message he had been preaching for twenty-five years. (2) He intended to correct certain problems in the church that stemmed from wrong attitudes of Jews toward Gentiles (e.g., 2:1-29; 3:1, 9) and Gentiles toward Jews (e.g., 11:11-32).
Survey
The theme of Romans is introduced in 1:16-17. Basically, Paul expresses the power of Christ’s message to save people spiritually and to bring them into a right relationship with God. This gift of righteousness (i.e., a right relationship with God and the power to do right by his standard) comes from God and is the answer to his judgment against sin. God reveals this gift through his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus provided a way for us to be forgiven for our offenses against God and to be restored to a right relationship with him. The main idea is this: God sets things right between himself and people who have faith in Jesus Christ. As Paul proceeds into the letter, he presents the foundational truths of the gospel—the “good news” and truth about forgiveness and spiritual salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. First, he points out that the problem of sin (i.e., rebellion and opposition against God) and humanity’s need to be rescued from sin and restored to a right relationship with God affect every person who ever lives (1:18-3:20). Both Jews and non-Jews are separated from God because of sin and are facing God’s judgment. Apart from God’s grace (i.e., his undeserved favor, love and enablement), no person can become right with God or live up to his standards on their own (see article on Faith and Grace). We must rely on him, yield our lives to him and accept his gift of righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ (3:21-4:25).
When we accept God’s gracious gift, we experience the peace, joy and assurance of spiritual salvation and a personal relationship with God (ch. 5). By knowing and identifying with Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, we also have his power to “die” to sin (i.e., to resist and overcome its destructive influence in our lives). As a result, we can do what is right by God’s standard and experience the life and spiritual liberty he desires for us (chs. 6-7). This new life “through the Spirit” is focused on God’s desires and purposes, which will lead to honor for those who follow Jesus, even beyond the difficulties they experience in this life (ch. 8). With God on our side, we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us” (8:37). God continues to work out his plan to restore people to a relationship with himself in spite of Israel’s unbelief and rejection of Christ (chs. 9-11).
Finally, Paul describes how people whose lives have truly been transformed by Christ will reflect his righteousness, love and other character traits in all areas of life. This includes their personal attitudes and behaviors, as well as their conduct, interaction and relationships with people inside and outside the church (chs. 12-14). Following some final words of challenge and encouragement and an explanation of his personal plans (ch. 15), Paul gives a long list of personal greetings. He draws his letter to a close with a final warning against deception and division in the church. He concludes by honoring God for what he accomplished through Jesus Christ (ch. 16).
Special Feature
Seven major features characterize Romans. (1) Romans is Paul’s most in-depth and organized letter, expressing a broad, yet specific, overview of NT theology (e.g., an explanation of God’s work and relationship to people through his Son, Jesus Christ). (2) Paul writes in a question-and-answer, or debating, style (e.g., 3:1, 4-6, 9, 31). (3) Paul uses the OT extensively as a basis of authority for his presentation of the true nature of the message about Christ. (4) Paul presents the spiritual concept of “a righteousness from God” as the core revelation of the gospel (i.e., the “good news” of Christ, 1:16-17): God set things right through Jesus Christ. (5) Paul focuses on the two elements of the nature of sin, along with God’s way of dealing with each element through the life and sacrifice of Christ: (a) sin as personal wrongdoing, defiance, disobedience or offense against God (1:1-5:11) and (b) the “sin” (Gk hë hamartia) principle—the inherent human tendency to defy God and go our own way—that is within every person’s heart since Adam first gave into temptation and sin entered the world (5:12-8:39; see 5:12 and 6:2, notes on sin). (6) Ro 8 is the most developed chapter in the Bible on the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of Christ’s followers. (7) Romans contains the Bible’s most powerful discussion about the Jews’ rejection of Christ (except for a few who accept him as their Messiah, or Savior) and how God’s plan ultimately comes back to Israel (chs. 9-11).
Giving credit where credit is due. These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible. Don Stamps, editor. Originally published by Life Publishers.
